How must accountable mail be documented from acceptance to delivery?

Accountable mail must be documented by a continuous chain of receipts to ensure thorough tracking and accountability throughout the entire process from acceptance to delivery. This method creates an unbroken record of custody that confirms each stage of the mail's journey and provides documentation at every point where the mail is handled or transferred.

This continuous documentation is essential not only for maintaining security but also for accountability. It allows for easy tracking of the mail, verification of each party that handled it, and provides evidence in case of disputes, loss, or damage. Each receipt serves as a formal acknowledgment, contributing to the entire trail and confirming where and how the item was processed.

The other options do not provide the same level of security and tracking. Relying on verbal confirmation lacks formal documentation and could lead to misunderstandings. A signed receipt only at one point does not create a complete trail of the mail's progress, while a single receipt fails to account for the multiple handlers involved in the journey of accountable mail. The method of continuous receipts ensures comprehensive tracking and enhances reliability throughout the mailing process.